Dr. Lee Katzman, a board-certified, fellowship-trained eye surgeon in San Diego, is proud to offer Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs)—a revolutionary advancement in vision correction. LALs are the only lenses IN THE WORLD that allow for customization AFTER cataract surgery, enabling precise adjustments to achieve the best possible visual clarity tailored to your needs.
If you are considering cataract surgery or exploring advanced vision correction options, LALs could be your perfect choice.
The Surgical Process for Light Adjustable Lenses
Dr. Katzman’s expertise ensures a smooth and patient-focused experience throughout the LAL surgery process:
- Comprehensive Consultation: Dr. Katzman will evaluate your eyes, discuss your lifestyle and vision goals, and determine if LALs fit you best.
- Cataract Removal and Lens Implantation: During surgery, Dr. Katzman will remove the cataract (or clear lens) and implant the light-adjustable lens. This minimally invasive procedure is completed in less than 15 minutes using local anesthesia.
- Healing Period: Your eyes will heal over several weeks, and the lens remains adjustable. This healing phase ensures that your vision can be optimized through subsequent adjustments.
- Light Adjustment Sessions: Using a specialized UV light system, Dr. Katzman will make precise adjustments to the lens to fine-tune your vision. These painless sessions take place over a few weeks, providing a tailored solution for your visual needs.
What to Expect After Light Adjustable Lens Surgery
Here are customized postoperative instructions for patients undergoing Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) cataract or clear lens surgery with Dr. Lee Katzman. These guidelines help you understand the process and ensure a smooth recovery.
1. A Different Journey from Traditional Cataract Surgery
Unlike patients with fixed-prescription lens implants, whose vision typically stabilizes within 24-48 hours, your recovery journey will be unique. With adjustable lenses, your vision may remain slightly blurry until the light adjustment treatments begin. This is intentional and part of the process, so concern is unnecessary.
2. UV Protection Guidelines
While initial FDA trials required wearing UV-protective glasses indoors and outdoors, advancements with the Activeshield model now allow for modified protection:
- Outdoors: Continue wearing sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV exposure.
- Indoors: UV protection is not necessary unless you are sitting directly in sunlight by a window or exposed to a strong UV light source, such as in a tanning bed or during certain nail treatments.
3. Surgical Timeline and Follow-Up
Your surgical plan includes two procedures scheduled one week apart:
- Post-Surgery Checkups: We will see you the day after each surgery and again one week later for a baseline measurement.
- First Light Adjustment: This usually occurs about three weeks after the second surgery. However, depending on individual healing and circumstances, it may be delayed up to two months.
4. Light Adjustment and Lock-In Treatments
Most patients require one to three light adjustment sessions, usually spaced one to two weeks apart. The exact number and timing depend on factors like astigmatism and your ocular history.
- Once your vision meets your expectations, we perform two lock-in treatments on separate days. These permanently stabilize the lens prescription, ensuring no further changes over time.
5. Preventing Dry Eye During Recovery
Maintaining excellent ocular health is critical during the adjustment period. Dry eye—even if asymptomatic—can affect healing and results. To avoid this:
- Use preservative-free artificial tears at least three times daily.
- Perform warm compresses for five minutes each day to support tear production and comfort.
- Follow any additional dry eye treatments recommended by Dr. Katzman
Following these instructions will ensure the best outcomes from your Light Adjustable Lens surgery. If you have questions or concerns during recovery, please contact our office. Your journey to customized vision is our priority!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) has revolutionized cataract and refractive surgery by the introduction of unmatched post-surgical customization. Patients often ask: What sets it apart? How does it work? What should I expect? Below are answers to the most common questions about this groundbreaking technology and how it can enhance your vision outcomes.
What is the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL), developed by RxSight, is an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) that can be customized after implantation. Unlike traditional lenses that remain static after surgery, the LAL allows precise adjustments to optimize near, intermediate, or distance vision based on your lifestyle and needs.
The LAL is made from a photosensitive material that responds to UV light. Through non-invasive light treatments conducted IN THE OFFICE after surgery, the lens can be fine-tuned to achieve your ideal visual clarity. Currently, it is the ONLY lens of its kind available commercially.
Who is a Good Candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens?
The LAL is ideal for individuals undergoing cataract surgery who want to maximize visual clarity and minimize dependence on glasses. It is especially beneficial for:
- Patients with complex refractive needs: This includes those with astigmatism or those who have had previous surgeries such as LASIK, RK, corneal transplants, or conductive keratoplasty.
- Individuals seeking visual control: The LAL allows you to “test drive” your vision in real-life situations before finalizing adjustments, ensuring satisfaction with the results. Although many patients think they just want “20/20 vision”, they don’t understand the intricacies of the visual system and how the two eyes work together. For example, someone with 20/20 vision may find that they have fantastic far distance vision, but could be deeply dissatisfied if they have to put on glasses every time their cell phone rings. These situations are completely avoided with the LAL lens.
- Those minimizing reliance on glasses: Whether for near, intermediate, or distance vision, the LAL’s customizable design reduces the need for glasses for most, if not all, activities
However, the LAL may not be suitable for individuals with conditions like advanced macular degeneration or specific retinal diseases. Additionally, the need for UV-blocking glasses during the adjustment phase and multiple follow-up visits may not align with everyone’s lifestyle, particularly for out-of-town patients. Some medications, such as hydrochlorothiazide or amiodarone, may becontraindicated to the light treatments. And some medications like flomax (a treatment for the prostate) may prevent appropriate dilation of the iris that is necesary for the light treatments.
How Does the LAL Adjustment Process Work?
The adjustment process is one of the most unique features of the LAL. Here’s an overview:
- Lens Implantation: The natural crystalline lens is replaced with the LAL during surgery. Recovery is similar to traditional cataract surgery, with noticeable improvements in vision soon after the procedure.
- Healing Period: UV-blocking glasses are worn for 1-2 months post-surgery to protect the lens from unintended adjustments by the sun.
- Light Adjustments: Using specialized UV light, adjustments are made to refine the lens’s focus. Each session is painless, lasts just a few minutes, and allows for customized clarity.
- Final Lock-In: Once your vision meets your expectations, two final treatments are performed to lock the lens into place permanently.
How Many Adjustment Sessions Are Needed?
Most patients require two to three adjustment sessions to achieve their desired vision, typically spaced two weeks apart. This process ensures that the lens is tailored to your specific daily activities, from reading to driving or even unique hobbies like playing instruments or sports.
Are There Precautions or Side Effects?
The primary precaution is protecting the lens from UV exposure until the adjustments are complete. Patients must wear UV-blocking glasses outdoors and in bright indoor settings during this phase.
Side effects are rare but can include mild inflammation or infection, as with any intraocular surgery. Once the lens is locked in, UV glasses are no longer necessary, though UV protection is always recommended to safeguard retinal health and prevent macular degeneration (in all patients)
How Long Do The Results Last?
The LAL provides permanent results once locked-in. The vision improvements are long-lasting, offering a tailored solution that mirrors the benefits of traditional cataract surgery but with the added advantage of post-surgical customization.
What Types of Vision Can the LAL Achieve?
The LAL can be adjusted for:
- Distance Vision: Perfect for activities like driving or watching movies.
- Intermediate Vision: Ideal for tasks such as working on a computer.
- Near Vision: Designed for reading or close-up tasks.
For many patients, blended vision or mild monovision is a fantastic option, depending on their specific goals and lifestyle needs.
How Does the LAL Compare to Other Premium Lenses?
The LAL is the only adjustable lens available after surgery. Other premium lenses, such as multifocal or extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs, are effective but rely solely on pre-surgical calculations. These pre-surgical algorithms have a success rate of 70-80% depending on the clinical situation. The LAL, however, offers flexibility unmatched by these fixed lenses, making it especially advantageous for patients with prior refractive surgeries or high visual demands.
What is the Cost of the LAL Compared to Other IOLs?
Due to its advanced technology and numerous follow-up treatments, the LAL is priced higher than standard monofocal or some premium lenses. However, the ability to customize your vision post-surgery offers unparalleled value for patients seeking long-term satisfaction. Afterall, the LAL surgery is the most accurate eye surgery in the world.
What Can I Expect for Recovery and Results?
Initial recovery is similar to traditional cataract surgery, with most patients resuming normal activities within a day or two. Adjustments further enhance clarity, with noticeable improvements in visual depth and sharpness. Once locked in, the results are stable and tailored to your lifestyle – permanently
Explore Your Vision Correction Options with Dr. Katzman
The Light Adjustable Lens represents a breakthrough in vision correction, offering patients the unique opportunity to experience and refine their vision before finalizing it. This unmatched flexibility makes it an exceptional choice for those who value a personalized approach to achieving optimal visual outcomes.
The Light Adjustable Lens could be the perfect solution if you’re considering cataract surgery or seeking freedom from glasses. Dr. Lee Katzman specializes in advanced vision correction technologies. These innovative options are designed to transform your visual clarity and quality of life.
Take the first step toward sharper, clearer vision by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Katzman. Visit his website to learn more about these cutting-edge solutions or contact his office today. Experience the freedom and precision that personalized vision correction can provide.